Lexus in talks with V8 Supercars

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus could be on the V8 Supercar grid in 2012 under the category's new Car of the Future rules, which aim to remove the stranglehold that Holden and Ford have on the series.

The boss of Lexus Australia, Tony Cramb, has confirmed to the Carsales Network that his company has had preliminary discussions about joining the series.

Indeed, he was spotted in deep discussion with V8 Supercar chief Tony Cochrane at the recent Melbourne Cup Carnival, which Lexus sponsors.

"We did meet at the [Melbourne Cup] lounge and chatted about a few different things," Cramb (pictured) told the Carsales Network before jetting off to Japan for a meeting with Lexus headquarters. "But it is fair to say they were only preliminary discussions. It was a general discussion."

Cramb said it was the first he'd met Cochrane and wanted to learn more about the series and the proposed changes that would enables cars other than Holdens and Fords to compete.

"It would be too long a bow to draw at this stage that we are going into V8s," Cramb said. "But as with all companies, you look at all options and, to do that, you need to talk to people."

Lexus is understood to be considering joining the European DTM series, which is likely to include rounds in North America as well as its traditional stomping ground of Europe. Depending on the technical similarities, a DTM Lexus may be able to be adapted to the V8 Supercars series.

"We need to look at the technical regulations and see what the differences are before we go any further," Cramb said.

When asked what body style Lexus would choose if it were to go V8 Supercar racing, Cramb said: "The IS-F would make a great V8 Supercar, wouldn't it?"

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